Category Archives: Uncategorized

Are You Ever Really ‘Done’ at Work?

Posted on July 25, 2018 by summergathercole

When I was getting ready to leave my last job, I was frantically trying to get everything done. I had a transition binder for my successor, of course, but there were so many loose ends that still needed to be … Continue reading →

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Effective Messages Must be Designed for Specific Audiences

Posted on July 24, 2018 by summergathercole

“We just need to raise awareness.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this while working on a project. And I’m guilty of saying it too. If we can figure out how to make people care, then that … Continue reading →

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When Do We Stop “Kicking the Can?”

Posted on July 23, 2018 by summergathercole

A few years ago, I facilitated 15 focus groups with public school teachers. When I finished the focus groups, I had a new appreciation for teachers. They are so much more than providers of education. Teachers often serve as surrogate … Continue reading →

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We All Want the Same Thing, Don’t We?

Posted on June 13, 2018 by summergathercole

I recently worked on a project that required a number of different stakeholders to come together and solve some common problems. The problems were big, and there was a long laundry list of items that needed to be addressed. But … Continue reading →

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Funders Forget Their Influence

Posted on June 3, 2018 by summergathercole

Have you ever had to let a staff member go? Regardless of the circumstances, it is an awful experience. It usually requires lots of documentation, and endless conversations to cover all of your bases and look at the situation from … Continue reading →

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Community Leaders Could Take a Different Approach to Help

Posted on May 28, 2018 by summergathercole

I recently spoke with a nonprofit Executive Director about an upcoming meeting that is giving her angst. Her organization launched a new program last year, and it has had a few “bumps in the road.” It’s not surprising given that … Continue reading →

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I Figured It Out

Posted on May 27, 2018 by summergathercole

I finally had a chance to watch “The Post” a few weeks ago. Given that I check The Washington Post’s online site at least 5 times a day, I can’t believe it took me so long to watch it. After … Continue reading →

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We All Make “Bad Hires” at Some Point

Posted on May 26, 2018 by summergathercole

I was recently standing outside a restaurant with a friend, studying the menu. The owner came out to see if we needed assistance. My friend: “I’m not totally clear on what gluten options you have.” The owner described the options, … Continue reading →

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Fancy New Words Over-Complicate Things

Posted on April 23, 2018 by summergathercole

After spending nearly two decades in or connected to the nonprofit sector, there are topics that are still being discussed “ad nauseam:” Board governance, fundraising, evaluation, etc. With all of the focus on innovation in recent years, one would have … Continue reading →

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Sometimes We Forget the Basics

Posted on April 22, 2018 by summergathercole

In working with entities that are trying to develop a long-term growth plan, I often ask what story they want to tell in 5 years (or 30, depending on the type of project). Sometimes I ask them to write the … Continue reading →

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